Chinese Astrology, its signs and its origins. Find your sign, your element and your companion.
The Origins of Chinese Astrology According to Legend
The myth and mystery that surround Chinese astrology make it difficult to appreciate its wisdom. But myth is part of its tradition. The fanciful legend of the Buddha and the 12 animals, for example, describes how Chinese astrology began:
The Buddha rewards the 12 noble animals
The Buddha invited every creature on earth to take part in a festival celebrating the new year, but only 12 arrived. To show his gratitude, the Buddha granted each of these noble animals the honor of ruling the planets for one year every 12 years, when each animal would influence the character of people born during its year of reign.
The Buddha decided the animals would rule in the order they arrived at the festival. First to arrive was the Rat who takes first place in the cycle. Last was the Pig who takes 12th place.
Another tale claims that these are the 12 animals who visited the Buddha on his deathbed.
The Origins of Chinese Astrology According to History
The Chinese began to study the galaxy about 5000 years ago. It was the astronomers of the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) who discovered 12 constellations occurring in a 12 year cycle that affect human character and destiny.
The Zodiac Signs
Each constellation is represented by an animal of similar traits to those born under it, hence the 12 animal signs (also known as the 12 Earthly Branches). The 12 zodiac signs define every possible character type.
Companion Signs and Ruling Hours
The companion sign of Chinese astrology has a similar function to the ascendant sign (also called the ‘rising sign’) of Western astrology. Like its Western counterpart, the determining factor is the hour of birth. (see table below).
- Individuality It would be starry-eyed to believe that people born in a certain year all have the same character traits. Apart from the main birth sign, the companion sign also bears influence on character.
- Example: A person born in 1950 (Year of the Tiger) at 8 a.m. (ruling hour of the Dragon) would be a Tiger influenced by the Dragon (scroll down for table of years).
- Perception An individual is often perceived by others according to their companion sign rather than their main sign. Knowing the companion sign can give clues that help solve social problems like loneliness.
- Example: A gregarious Horse born in the hour of the aloof Snake might inadvertently send out ‘leave me alone’ signals, blocking its social needs. Understanding this, the Horse could apply a therapy (like Edward Bach’s flower remedy system) and turn the undesired Snake trait to its advantage.
- Ruling Hours The signs collect cosmic energy during the hour they rule.
- Example: A person born in 1964 (Year of the Dragon) collects cosmic energy between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. — the ruling hour of the Dragon.
Table of Companions and Ruling Hours
The Five Elements
In Chinese astrology, the five elements describe relationships and compatibility. For any system to function, including human society, all five elements must be present. Each is dependent upon the other:
- Wood fuels fire
- Fire creates earth (ashes)
- Earth bears metal
- Metal carries water (pipes)
- Water feeds wood (trees)
According to Chinese thought, the cosmos reflects the five elements and each planet reflects an element. This is where the elements influence the course a year will take and the character of those born during that year:
- Wood (Jupiter) symbolizes creativity, growth and hope.
- Fire (Mars) symbolizes energy, enthusiasm, intelligence and knowledge.
- Earth (Saturn) symbolizes peace, stability and endurance.
- Metal (Venus) symbolizes success, commerce and finances.
- Water (Mercury) symbolizes communication and mobility.
The Principle of Yin and Yang
The zodiac signs are ordered into two groups: Yin or Yang.
Yin is negative and feminine. Those born into the Yin group are reserved and rarely good leaders.
Yang is positive and masculine. Yang signs are assertive and self-confident.
Table of Birth Signs with Year, Element and Principle
Chinese astrology complies with the lunar solar calendar where a year begins in January or February.
I am a tiger born at 9pm in cape town south africa 1962 on feb 6th. what is my Chinese ascendant sign
Hi Adele! As the above table shows, your ascendant is the Pig. Find out more about the sign of the Pig here, and learn more about the ascendant/companion here.